Jorge Lorenzo’s MotoGP world title hopes remain alive after he won a dramatic Australian Grand Prix which saw championship leader Marc Marquez disqualified.
Yamaha’s Lorenzo, who started from pole and led throughout, now trails his fellow Spaniard by 18 points going into next week’s penultimate race in Japan.
Riders had to change bikes mid-race because of safety concerns over tyres.
But Marquez failed to pit by the required time and scored no points.
Dani Pedrosa was second while Valentino Rossi held off the challenge of Britain’s Cal Crutchlow for third.
Lorenzo described the race as “crazy” because of the compulsory bike change but his maximum return of 25 points, coupled with Marquez failing to register, means the title race has been opened up.
“We were lucky,” said Lorenzo. “Without the mistake from Marc I think he would have been first or second – now the championship has changed so much.
“Before the race we had no chance – a 2% or 3% chance – and now it’s 20% or 30%.
“Let’s see what happens in Motegi.”
World Championship standings are as follows:
Marc Marquez (Spa) – 298
Jorge Lorenzo (Spa) – 280
Dani Pedrosa (Spa) – 264
Valentino Rossi (Ita) – 214
Cal Crutchlow (GB) – 179
The venue for next Sunday’s race in Japan.
